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Sorry for the state of the website right now.

I'm putting the finishing touches on a long-needed template update. So, I'm working quite a bit in the background, which will cause some hiccups for anyone attempting to access the site.

In the next few days, you'll find some discontinuity between a number of pages (the sitemap and alternate home page at ptsdcombat.com, for example, won't integrate smoothly with the rest of the site until I finish cleaning them up and bringing them in line with the rest of the blog).

If you're having problems, please check back later.

Thanks for your patience.

A Basketful of Simple Stress Solutions

I recently came upon a beautifully-filmed and presented set of stress management videos created by Joy of Ritual author Barbara Biziou.

Geared toward a general audience (and not specifically for those with PTSD), yet just about as colorful as a basketful of Easter eggs, I thought I'd share them with you (be sure to check in extended for parts 2 + 3).



Here's to a relaxing yet 'hoppy' holiday!

Is There Anything 'Good' About Traumatic and/or Intense Life Experiences?

Yes.

Studies suggest posttraumatic growth can be a significant, positive outcome of surviving and even thriving following a traumatic event. Controversial in some quarters, at this juncture the data shows such life experiences may be character-building:

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. — Friedrich Nietzsche

In contrast to Nietzsche’s well-known quote, life-threatening experiences may lead to psychiatric conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Hughes, & Nelson, 1995). Furthermore, greater exposure is usually linked to more severe symptoms (Brewin, Andrews, & Valentine, 2000). Psychopathology nevertheless occurs only among a minority of those exposed to such events, leaving open the possibility of other outcomes, including benefits (Bonanno, 2004). Tedeschi and Calhoun (1995) identified the positive psychological changes that can occur following a potentially traumatic event as posttraumatic growth: improved relationships with others, openness to new possibilities, greater appreciation of life, enhanced personal strength, and spiritual development. ...

How are strengths of character related to growth following trauma? A retrospective Web-based study of 1,739 adults found small, but positive associations among the number of potentially traumatic events experienced and a number of cognitive and interpersonal character strengths. It was concluded that growth following trauma may entail the strengthening of character.

Source: "Strengths of character and posttraumatic growth," Journal of Traumatic Stress, Volume 21 Issue 2, Pages 214 - 217

Finding Balance and Resilience 101: Free Workbooks and Guides for Veterans, Military Families and Counselors

Last summer, I crossed paths with Pamela Woll, MA, CADP.

A Chicago-based author and consultant in writing, training, and instructional development, Woll works on getting individuals and organizations to "recognize and build on resilience; understand the nature, neurobiology, and effects of stress and trauma; and promote successful recovery from the effects of embodied stress and trauma."

While her entire Human Priorities website is well worth more than one visit (so much good information to be found there), I'd like to point you to two sets of resources she's created specifically with veterans, military families and counselors in mind.